CNG BENEFITS

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)

Picture showing main benefit of CNG is the savings in fuel cost by switching to CNG from Diesel fuel.


Benefits of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)

Natural gas offers many advantages over conventional petroleum products. Compressed natural gas (CNG) is the smart and affordable choice for fleet vehicles, transit buses, school buses, waste disposal trucks, delivery vehicles, and more.

With CNG, you'll save money on fuel, reduce emission levels, and extend the life of your vehicle.

Great for Fueling Fleets

Compressed natural gas (CNG) can fuel everything from vans and shuttles to transit buses, school buses and semitrucks. In fact, CNG-powered vans and shuttles are already in use in major cities and airports, saving money on fuel and reducing emission levels. Since CNG is a cleaner fuel than diesel or gasoline, engine wear is also reduced, allowing a vehicle to last longer.

With the same power as gasoline or diesel fuel, CNG can also be used in transit buses, semitrucks, school buses, waste disposal trucks and delivery vehicles. Currently, one of every five new transit buses in America is fueled by natural gas, and a natural gas-powered school bus can displace 1,400 gallons of diesel fuel per year. Currently, there are more than 2,500 CNG buses in school districts across the country.

Commercial vehicles travel a significantly greater number of miles per year than private vehicles, which average 10,000 to 15,000 miles per year.



FINANCES

Get Green for Being Green

Green Benefits for Fleets

The low cost of natural gas, combined with unprecedented public and private investment, has led to significant market growth and more vehicle and fueling options than ever before. Companies such as UPS, Waste Management, AT&T, Frito-Lay, Penske, Ryder, Unilever, Saddle Creek, Anheuser-Busch, FedEx Freight, Fiat-Chrysler Transport and others are converting their fleets to natural gas to take advantage of this opportunity.

Heavy-duty natural gas engine technology available today is more than 90 percent cleaner than the most stringent applicable U.S. EPA standards for oxides of nitrogen. When fueled with renewable natural gas (RNG) made from waste stream sources such as landfill gas, dairy waste, waste water treatment plants and other sources, lifecycle GHG emissions are reduced by more than 80 percent. The combination of new near-zero-emission natural gas engine technology and RNG provides the single best opportunity for the U.S. to achieve immediate and substantial nitrogen oxide (NOx) and greenhouse gas emission reductions in the on-road heavy-duty transportation sectors.

Compressed Natural Gas Benefits about saving money with CNG.

Energy Efficiency

Cleaner Fuel Source

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Energy and Environmental Benefits

Whether produced via conventional or renewable methods, the advantages of natural gas as an alternative fuel include its domestic availability, established distribution network, relatively low cost, and emissions benefits.

Renewable natural gas (RNG) and conventional natural gas, must be compressed (CNG) or liquefied (LNG) for use in vehicles. Like any alternative fuel, there are some considerations to take into account when contemplating the use of natural gas.


Energy Security
In 2015, the United States imported approximately 9.4 million barrels of petroleum per day and consumed approximately 19.4 million barrels per day. Because transportation accounts for nearly three-fourths of total U.S. petroleum consumption, using U.S. transportation fuels like natural gas can have a direct impact. This not only supports the U.S. economy but helps diversify the U.S. transportation fleet and reduce the impact of international supply disruptions. All of this adds to our nation's energy security.

OTHER BENEFITS

More Natural Gas Advantages

10 Benefits of Using Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)

Compressed Natural Gas, commonly referred to as CNG, is a clear, odourless, non-corrosive gas that can be used as a cheaper, cleaner and more efficient alternative to the traditional fuels used in vehicles. The gas is compressed so sufficient fuel can be stored within the vehicle to extend the driving range. There are many benefits to using CNG in your vehicles, these include:

Environmental Benefits
CNG burns cleaner when compared to traditional petrol and diesel. Carbon monoxide emissions are reduced by roughly 80 percent, and 44 percent less hydrocarbons are produced in comparison to gasoline-powered vehicles. Natural Gas still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, but they are significantly reduced. Another benefit is that in the case of a leak, CNG does not pose any danger of contamination of ground water since the fuel is non-toxic. CNG cars also run quieter than gasoline and diesel vehicles, which results in less noise pollution.

Cost Effectiveness
CNG is almost third the price of Super.
CNG = $1.00 TT/L
Super = $3.58 TT/L
Premium = $5.75 TT/L
Diesel = $2.30 TT/L
This means that consumer can save on their fuel bill:
82 percent, if they used premium
68 percent, if they used super
42 percent, if they used diesel

Man driving Natural gas bus.
Incentives
The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has removed Motor Vehicle Taxes and V.A.T on imported vehicles, which are less than two years old and manufactured to use CNG. Citizens can also receive a 25 percent tax credit on the cost of converting their vehicle to CNG, with the limit being $10,000 per vehicle.

Economic Benefits
If citizens switch to CNG, the money spent by the Government on Trinidad and Tobago on the fuel subsidy (Super, Diesel and Premium) can then be relocated to other sectors which may need funding. Foreign exchange can also be generated by selling the liquid fuels which aren’t being used.

Safety
CNG has a flammability rating of approximately 5 percent - 15 percent, which makes it less flammable and safer than other fuels. Also, in the event of a collision, CNG cylinders are less dangerous than gasoline and diesel tanks because of its size, structure, and location within the vehicle. These cylinders have safety devices which are designed to release the gas if there a higher than normal pressure or temperature.

Not a Fire Hazard
The ignition temperature of CNG is 600⁰C, which is higher than gasoline (320⁰C) and diesel (285⁰C). This means that CNG vehicles are less likely to catch fire under any circumstances. In the event of a leak, CNG is lighter than air, meaning that it will dissipate into the atmosphere, unlike gasoline or diesel which pools on the ground and serves as a fire hazard.

Cleaner Fuel
CNG does not have sulphur, particulate matter, traces of heavy metals or toxic additives in it, which may contaminate your motor oil.

Lower Maintenance Costs
The maintenance cost of your vehicle will be cut down since there can be longer periods between tune-ups and oil changes.

Less Damage to your Car
CNG combusting leaves little to no residue when compared to traditional gasoline and diesel. This means that damages to pipes and tubes in the vehicle’s engines are reduced.

Better Performance
Dedicated natural gas engines are superior in performance to gasoline engines because natural gas has an octane rating of approximately 130, whereas super and unleaded have octane levels of 95 and 97 respectively. Even though there are many improvements that need to be made to ensure a smooth transition from gasoline and diesel fuels to Compressed Natural Gas, one can agree that the benefits that come from using CNG are very appealing. In the future, it can be predicted that many more citizens will be keen on either converting to CNG or purchasing CNG vehicles.

Case Studies

CNG Stories of Success

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Natural Gas Powered Bus Rapid Transit Service

RFTA is the second-largest public transit system in Colorado behind Denver’s Regional Transportation District (RTD), and it is one of the largest rural public transit systems in the country. In 2013, RFTA accepted delivery of 22 new compressed natural gas (CNG) buses that went into service after completion of maintenance and refueling facilities earlier that year.

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CNG Powers Law Enforcement in Arkansas

As part of a larger commitment to alternative fuels, the City of North Little Rock, Arkansas, added 16 compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles to its fleet, including nine Chevrolet Tahoe police vehicles.

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CNG Refuse Fleets

This case study explores the use of heavy-duty refuse trucks fueled by compressed natural gas (CNG).

Transportation Fleet

Find out how Virginia Transportation Corporation uses compressed natural gas trailers to move vehicles from railroads, ports, and plants.

For info about this project, contact Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition.

CNG Fuels Buses

Watch how Tulsa, Oklahoma, powers its school buses and refuse trucks with compressed natural gas.

For information about this project, contact Tulsa Clean Cities.